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Life stories from a missionary mama

Well after a 5 month “blog hiatus” it is time to get “Teacups” up and running again, and I thought a little facelift for the blog was in order. The end of our time of waiting here in Manila is coming to an end, and soon we will get to go home to our little house in the jungle. This time as a family of four! Since we left our home on the island of Palawan back in April, our life took on a very different rhythm to what we had become accustomed to (and enjoyed) while in the village. Instead of the activity of our home, the busyness of the village and ministry in the church there has been lots of waiting. I have realized I am not a good “waiter”. Waiting on a baby, waiting in Manila traffic, waiting on paperwork, waiting to get home, just waiting, I am not a big fan.

If the Lord Jehovah makes us wait, let us do so with our whole hearts; for blessed are all they that wait for Him. He is worth waiting for. The waiting itself is beneficial to us: it tries faith, exercises patience, trains submission, and endears the blessing when it comes. The Lord’s people have always been a waiting people- Charles Spurgeon.

I haven’t always waited well these past months, I haven’t waited here in Manila with my whole heart. I feel like I was always looking back or looking forward, and so I ended up with quite a few discouraging and frustrating days. Yet in the midst of it all, God was patient with me and He gave me occasions for joy and time to reflect on Him. Plus from a Mama’s point of view I loved having the time to just enjoy and be with my two babies, no other hat to wear.

The first few weeks that we were here in Manila we were waiting on the arrival of our precious baby. Our little man was born 4 days early and he was certainly worth the wait and has been a true blessing to our little family. We cannot wait are very excited to introduce him to our families all around the world! Firstly, to our friends in the village in a few weeks and then someday to our families in N.Ireland and California. We have been so thankful to the Lord for a safe delivery and healthy baby boy. Judah’s name means “God is praised” and this is our prayer for our little boy that God will save him and that through his life God’s Name will be praised.

Introducing Judah William Brooks. Born 13th June 2012.

Big sister has been very sweet to her little bro.

Once little Judah was here and growing well, we were very ready to return to the village, at least we thought we were. However, God has had other plans for us and 3 months after his birth we are STILL here in Manila. Why the hold up? Paperwork. We just received his birth certificate last week and now we have an appointment at the American Embassy where we can apply for Judah’s passport. Then we will apply for his missionary visa (yes a 3 month old baby also needs a missionary visa!). All these things are finally coming to fruition and we have our home in sight…the waiting is coming to an end. Praise the Lord.

Waiting gives a lot of time for thinking and praying. I have done a lot of this over these past months and I am so grateful for the life that God has called us to. I am excited to return to the village, refreshed in Spirit and “recharged” for the months of ministry ahead. I feel so privileged to be able to have any part that God allows me to have in bringing honor and glory to His Name as we seek to teach the Word of God to people who live so far away from this huge and bustling city of Manila. Waiting reminds us of the blessings that await us. I am excited to return to our life in our simple little home even though there is no hot water, limited electricity, various creatures that often share our space, no air conditioning, no shops or restaurants, no luxuries. Waiting has reminded me of the precious things in our life. Living the simple life has many benefits and many pleasures, and there is no greater and safer place to be than in the center of God’s will. I love that we get to be a family that lives, ministers and works side by side 24 hours a day. I see great advantages to raising our family out in the middle of the jungle!

I know life will be different as we transition to being a family of four in the village. I know there will be struggles and challenges like there always is, but today I thank God with a full and bursting heart for this missionary life that he has called us too.

When ours are interrupted, his are not. His plans are proceeding exactly as scheduled, moving us always (including those minutes or hours or years which seem most useless or wasted or unendurable) “toward the goal of true maturity” Elisabeth Elliot.

Our co workers Paul and Cathy have been busy in the village while we have been gone. They have encouraged us with what God is doing in these past months and we have prayed with them as they have shared discouragements that come in ministry too. I am looking forward to catching up with people personally and filling you in on what is happening in the little church. Who we need to pray for and what we will be waiting on God for in these next months. I have come to realize that though it is hard, waiting can be a very good thing. I want to have a heart that waits on God wherever I am, whether I am busy or still, teaching or silent, there is much to be learnt and much to listen to when our hearts our in a place of waiting on Him. Thank you Lord for your perfect timing and ways, may we quickly bow to Your plans for our lives knowing You always have the best for us and that Your ways are always perfect. Here below are a few glimpses of life from these past months and some of the special memories during our stay here at the NTM guesthouse in Manila. (For which we have been very grateful).

Having fun with other Missionary Kids at the NTM Guesthouse.

Izzy loves FISH! This Aquarium we visited in Manila was a real treat.

Lots of special times with our ‘missionary family”. Our dear friend Lynne flew up from a different island to help us out for 6 weeks around the time of Judah’s birth. We have been so blessed by our family of friends and co workers here during this time.

We celebrated Izzy’s 2nd Birthday a few weeks ago.

Izzy’s Birthday at a pool!

Danny was able to return to the village last week to do some work on our house. Termites, carpenter ants and probably other “creatures” he hasn’t told me about, can cause a lot of damage while we are gone, even for a few months. So he has replaced kitchen counter tops, bathroom ceiling and repaired a few other things too. The house is now ready for our return.

Thanks to all of you have prayed for us and supported us during these months. Thank you for being patient with us! We look forward to keeping you up to date with life and ministry in the coming months as we transition back into our life on Palawan. If you want to keep up with this blog on a regular basis please remember to subscribe to “Teacups in the Jungle” over on the right hand side of this page. I don’t always post it on Facebook and so you may miss some posts!